Friday, October 4, 2013

There are many festivals and each are
unique in their own way….. the festival
of “Navarathri” is now on in South India. This comes at the ascendence of moon in the
month of Purattasi. This year the
celebrations have started today ~ Friday 4th Oct 2013 with Mahalaya
Amavasyai. The festivities are to
Goddesses Durga, Maha Lakshmi and Saraswathi.
It is customary in Southern States to keep a display known as ‘bommai
Golu” (display of dolls) in most houses. This is an ornate exhibition of
various dolls and figurines of Gods, National Leaders, Fruits, Vegetables,
Animals etc., Traditionally the dolls
used to be made of earthern soil, now a days many are of paper. The dolls are carefully kept packed
throughout the year and are displayed during these nine days of “Navarathri”.
Generally the doll display is on odd numbered tiers …. [specially erected golu
padis]

Every day, people invite their near and
dear. People visit the houses of
Relatives, neighbours and friends for seeing the Bommai Golu and for exchanging
pleasantries. Gifts are also given to
visitors ~ the famous being ‘blouse bit’ which could go in circulation around……

Each day, many offerings including various types of sundal are made to
the dolls. The 9th day is devoted to
Saraswathi, the Goddess of Learning and special poojas are offered to Goddess Saraswati - the divine source of
wisdom and enlightenment. Books, pens, education oriented things and musical instruments are placed in the
puja and worshipped as a source of knowledge.
Also, tools are placed in the pooja as part of "Ayudha Pooja".
Vehicles are washed and decorated, and puja is performed for them. Most shop keepers also clean their shops,
have them white washed and conduct pooja praying for their well being.

The 10th day, "Vijayadasami" –
is considered to be the most auspicious
day of all. It is the day of evil being
destroyed by good. It marks a new and
prosperous beginning. New ventures started on this day are believed to flourish
and bring prosperity. Many have the initiation
of education for their children on this auspicious day.

There are many types of dolls – there
are those high quality, non toxic ones as also the cheap cost friendly plastic
ones …. Somehow the plastic ones are not greatly admired for Navarathri Golu….
Ever head of a bobblehead doll, also known as a bobbing head doll – it is a
type of collectible toy with its head often oversized compared to its body.
They are not fashionable in this part of the World.

The ones favoured are the mud dolls of
Gods, Achievers, animals and more. There
is this ‘thanjavur thalayatti bommai’ – one which would roll not only its head
but its body when moved…. Of course there are the ones made of papier mache, a
composite material of paper pieces or pulp sometimes reinforced with
textiles………. Still the traditional ones made with mud leads….

In areas like Thiruvallikkeni, Mylapore,
T Nagar, Perambur, Kanchipuram and more……shops selling beautiful dolls spring
up…. Here are some representation of the
Gods seen in ‘Bommai shop’ in Triplicane – venue nearer the Periya Thiruther of
SriParthasarathiTemple.

The mood is one of festivity and
bonhomie. Here is a photo of
‘golu’ in our house. Do visit our house and share our happiness..